Campaign to build bridge over ‘danger bypass’ after accident

Regan Tolson was seriously injured in a collsion on the Drighlington bypass.

Published:10:32Friday 09 December 2016

More than one thousand people have backed a campaign to build a pedestrian bridge over a busy bypass road after a young rugby player from Drighlington was seriously injured.

Bradford Bulls under-16 scholarship stand-off Reagan Tolson, 15, is recovering in hospital after suffering injuries – including a fractured pelvis and internal bleeding – when he was involved in collision with a VW Golf on the A650 in Drighlington at the end of last month.

Family friend Amy Ridyard, who started the campaign, said: “The three trauma teams that were working to keep Reagan alive along with the surgeons that stepped in after are adamant that the only reason he survived from a 60mph collision with a car is down to the fact that he lives, breathes, trains and plays a high impact sport – rugby league.

“There is no safe passage to cross the bypass but many walkways that lead to it. At the other side of the A650 is a motorway bridge that has access to the Birstall retail park, incorporating the Showcase Cinema, which attracts a lot of pedestrians.

“I set up this petition so that a footbridge or underpass could be built to make the road safe. If we don’t have this then the next person who is not as strong as Reagan may not be so lucky.

“Reagan has a long road to recovery but with the support of family, friends, the Drighlington community and the rugby league family he will make a full one!”

The Bruntcliffe Academy pupil, who also plays for Drighlington ARLFC, suffered a broken right ankle, elbow, collar bone and shoulder and deep cuts to his body in the crash. His family said he was able to sit up in a wheelchair for 10 minutes yesterday and was improving. Search Drighlington bypass on www.change.org to sign the petition.